Journal Archives

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. - A 19-year-old with a criminal history is dead after police say he was shot while trying to steal a motorcycle.

The man who pulled the trigger won't be charged by sheriff's deputies.

It all started at 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning when police say the owner of the motorcycle heard them, grabbed his rifle and opened fire.
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Police said the man who fired his gun does not feel like a hero, but instead feels a range of emotions because someone lost a life.

They are protecting his identity for fear of retribution from the suspects still on the loose.

Several interesting points here
- Article discusses how the change in the laws impacted this event
- FL has a felony murder rule. If they find the other thieves, they can be charged with the death
- Shooter's reaction is mixed (No chest thumping)
- Fear of retribution (real IME)

Having had the opportunity to do something similar, I chose not to, using other means to insure the perp had a very bad day. Then again, I did not believe I had a weapon aimed at me either.